On Feb. 18 and 19, 2018, MGM National Harbor in Maryland hosted an Asian Media FAM Visit to select members of Asian-American journalists based in the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.

Situated approximately 10 miles from our nation’s capital, the entertainment resort is walking distance from the historic Potomac River.

The resort is only two years old with its grand opening on Dec. 8, 2016.

It is operated by MGM Resorts International.

Upon entering via the Hotel Valet is the picturesque Conservatory on Level One but can be viewed on Level Two where the Front Desk, Concierge and Convention Center are located.

Apparently, last weekend the resort celebrated the 2018 Lunar New Year — “The Year of The Dog” — highly apropos for the FAM Visit.

The Conservatory celebrating the 2018 Lunar New Year — “The Year of The Dog.” (Photo Credit: MGM National Harbor)

Greeting the media at the Lobby Bar after check-in at the Front Desk were Brandon Singletary, Communications Specialist at MGM National Harbor; Malik Husser, Director of Communications at MGM National Harbor; Julie Du and Kelsi Suh, Marketing Executives of International Marketing at MGM National Harbor; and Debbie Im and Cindy Chen of IW Group, a full-service advertising and public relations agency with offices in New York.

We feasted on delectable snacks and cocktails and were provided with an overview of the resort’s beverage program.

Both Mr. Singletary and Mr. Husser gave numerous details on the property stating that MGM National Harbor is a $1.4 billion resort.

According to Wikipedia, the resort includes a 23-story hotel with 308 rooms, 135,000 square feet in gaming space, retail space, a spa, seven restaurants, a 3,000-seat theater with seven VIP suites, 27,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

MGM National Harbor Lobby Boozer Art. (Photo Credit: Robb Scharetg)

Dogs on display along with floral arrangements at the Conservatory. (Photo Credit: MGM National Harbor)

The enormous self-parking garage accommodates 4,800 vehicles and is free of charge.

The casino has 133 table games, 3,300 slot machines, and a poker room with 39 tables.

An Asian gaming pit features 16 Macau-style baccarat tables, a high-limit lounge, and two luxury lounges named Felt and Blossom.

Joining the media at the Lobby Bar was Hung Q. Nguyen, President & General Manager of the Imperial Lion Dance Team which is based in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The dance team performed to a huge crowd at the Casino Valet.

The stunning show lasted 40 minutes outdoors, proceeding to the Level One area through the Casino, District and ending at the entrance of the Potomac Plaza.

Throng captured the memorable performance on their smartphones.

This is the dance team’s second consecutive year performing for MGM National Harbor’s Chinese New Year celebration.

Slated to perform this summer on July 12 and 13, 2018 is pop superstar Britney Spears.

I believe that the two-day Spears concert is already sold-out.

The Theater has also hosted boxing events which aired live on HBO.

For more information about upcoming events or if you’re interested in purchasing tickets, visit mgmnationalharbor.com.

Exquisite rooms

The Corner Suite at MGM National Harbor. (Filipino Reporter photos)

(Photo Credit: MGM National Harbor)

Accommodations at MGM National Harbor include 234 guest rooms, as well as 74 suites.

The resort provided the media with a corner suite — total size equalling 958 square feet.

The room features contemporary amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, 48” HD flat screen television sets, automated lighting, comfortable mattresses, business desk and executive chair, and a safe to name a few.

The outdoor views include the popular Capital Wheel at National Harbor and the Potomac River.

The following day we were treated to lunch at Tap, a sports bar serving lunch and dinner.

After a brief look at the majestic Capital Suite on the 21st Floor, Mr. Singletary took us on a spa tour.

The Capital Suite on the 21st Floor. (Filipino Reporter photo)

It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

There we met Darcy who gave us an overview of the 27,000 square-foot facility.

The spa menu consists of skin care, body treatments and massages.

Furthermore, one can choose from a variety of manicures and pedicures.

You can make an appointment by calling 301.971.6115.

Entrance of the Spa, Salon and Fitness Center. (Photo Credit: MGM National Harbor)

Appreciation

Much thanks to Melonie Johnson, President of MGM National Harbor, who appended a letter at the room welcoming the Asian-American journalists to the resort.

According to the letter, the resort will have several activations over the upcoming weeks, already staging the spectacular lion dance which took place on Feb. 18, 2018.

Kudos to MGM National Harbor staff members Cynthia So, Brandon Singletary, Malik Husser, Julie Du and Kelsi Suh for their knowledgeable facts and overview of the resort.

Also, thank you to the team from the IW Group — Debbie Im and Cindy Chen.

Their accommodations made the Asian Media FAM Visit feasible.

So why travel to Las Vegas or Atlantic City when there is a hidden gem located nearby in the heart of our nation’s capital.

TILL WE MEET AGAIN: At the Lobby of MGM National Harbor during the conclusion of the Asian Media FAM Visit on Feb. 19, 2018. From left, L.P. Pelayo of the Filipino Reporter, Cindy Chen (IW Group), Cynthia So (Vice President of International Marketing at MGM National Harbor), Debbie Im (IW Group) and Brandon Singletary (Communications Specialist at MGM National Harbor). (Filipino Reporter photo)